Ch. 2
"The spell is very strong, very powerful," Rumple explained, as he set up the kit of herbs and potions that he needed. Lying next to everything was a lock of Belle's hair, which was apparently the most important ingredient.
"And the spell will make me very tired," Rumple continued.
"Tired? For how long?" Belle looked everything over. The whole thing seemed so complex.
"I will sleep for two days after it is cast. During that time, my body will adjust. The necessary organs will grow within me."
"I see. What do you need me to do during that time?"
"Nothing, really. The spell will do everything on its own. Just check on me occasionally."
"Are you joking? I'll be here the entire time!" Belle answered. "I'd be so lost if something happened to you."
"Yes, well, everything will be fine. I swear to you."
Belle smiled.
"I believe you, Rumple. But I'm still staying."
"That is your choice. Now, if you could do me a favor - watch the shop for me this morning and I should have everything ready by this afternoon."
Belle nodded in agreement.
"No problem at all."
00
As promised, Rumple had the elixir created by noon on the dot.
Since it was a Friday, he decided to close the shop early so they could head home and get started.
The liquid that Rumple had made was stored in a small glass vial. It was red with a string of yellow sparkles flowing through it. Belle held the vial in her hands.
As they drove, she tried not to be nervous. It was hard, though. She wondered how Rumple's body would change, and how he'd deal with it mentally. She also wondered about how his age might affect the baby. He was old. Older than her, at least. In 'human' form, he was in his fifties - wasn't that old to be carrying a child? It would be for a woman. But then again, this was all magic. Maybe the magic would make his age irrelevant. On the flip side, maybe it would affect the baby somehow.
Rumple must've picked up on her anxiety, because he rested a hand on her knee as he drove.
"It'll be fine, Belle," he reassured her. "I promise."
"I want to believe you, Rum," she replied, "I'm just… nervous. The thought of anything happening to you frightens me. I mean… have you thought this through, all the way? It's such a huge step and it's going to change everything. You're going to get sick in the mornings, and you'll be tired more often. You might have trouble keeping the shop open. People are going to say things, I just know they will...I don't want to put you through any of that unless you're completely sure that you want to do it."
Rumple took hold of Belle's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Belle, having a child is worth all of that."
Belle looked at him, trying to tell if he was being sincere. She determined that he seemed to be.
"Alright," she said, squeezing his hand back. "As long as you're sure."
00
Once home, Rumple locked all of the doors. He made his way upstairs to his bedroom, Belle following closely behind.
When he arrived, he fished out his favorite pair of pajamas from his dresser - the soft red flannel ones that Belle had purchased for him - and put them on. Then he sat down on the bed.
"Alright," he said, noticing that Belle was watching him closely. "Once I ingest the elixir, I'll fall asleep immediately. It will keep me completely asleep until my body has all that it needs to carry the baby. If you stay with me, you'll likely notice that I seem uncomfortable. You may try to comfort me but you will be unable to wake me."
"At all?" Belle didn't like that last part.
"Serious magic requires much energy. My body will conserve it as much as possible while it changes."
"But… you'll definitely wake up when it's time, right?"
"I will."
Belle nodded, trying not to show her fear.
Rumple knew her, though. He pulled her closer and she sat down next to him. He rubbed his thumb across her cheek.
"I will be fine, Belle. And in nine months we will have our child."
"I know." Belle forced a smile, "I know, Rumple. I just worry. But I trust you. I'll be here for you while you sleep and when you wake up."
"Thank you." Rumple leaned in and kissed her.
After a few seconds he pulled back and held up the elixir.
"Now, then."
Belle looked him in the eyes.
"Good luck, Rum. I love you."
"And I love you too."
With that, Rumple uncapped the vial and drank its contents. He quickly fell over, deeply asleep.